Pamela Thomas-Graham, a high-profile female executive in charge of building Credit Suisse's business with African-American clients and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, has left after more than six years at the Swiss bank, finews.asia has learned.

Pamela Thomas-Graham, part of Credit Suisse's top management until late last year, has left the Swiss bank effective today, a source familiar with the matter told finews.asia. A spokesman for Credit Suisse confirmed her exit, without elaborating.

Thomas-Graham was hired by previous CEO Brady Dougan and served as Credit Suisse's Chief Marketing and Talent Officer, but her influence was clipped in a restructuring under current CEO Tidjane Thiam last October. She continued to report directly to the new CEO despite her diminished role.

High-Profile New York Exec

Thomas-Graham, the first African-American woman to make partner at consulting firm McKinsey, is a high-profile member of New York media and business circles. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, she was CEO of financial broadcaster CNBC, and later president of fashion brand Liz Claiborne. She is also the author of three crime novels.

The bank's announcement of her sudden departure didn't mention the reasons for her exit. Her most recent role at the bank was head of new markets.